Dress shoes stopped cutting it

Previewing collections, standing on photoshoot sets, dinner after work, errands in between. A full day on your feet makes stiff leather soles feel like a punishment.

“Regular dress shoes just don't cut it anymore.”

Most pairs fail one way

They either look too athletic next to tailoring or turn clunky after an hour. The Men's Health fashion team tested more than 50 pairs since 2021 to sort the two out.

“Some look too sporty to wear with tailoring, while others feel stiff and clunky after an hour.”

Under $40 and versatile

The Bruno Marc Rivera uses a textile upper, so it lands in business casual rather than formal. Derby construction, six colorways, cushioned latex leather-covered insoles, light enough for a long workday.

Koio Capri for leather

Full-grain nubuck with hand-painted monochrome edges, in an ecru grey that beats a plain black or white sneaker. OrthoLite insoles replace the rigid polyurethane found in cheaper pairs. Sizes can run large.

“it was more bounce, more breathability, and I had way less foot pain”

A brogue on a sneaker sole

Cole Haan's ZERØGRAND wingtip keeps the punched-hole detailing of a heritage oxford but rides on a FlowerFoam midsole made from dandelion rubber. Divots let it flex. The outsole is chunky, though.

“feels like you're walking on marshmallows”

Built for rainy commutes

The Beckett Simonon Reid pairs water-repellent suede with a Vachetta leather lining and padded collars. A tall instep kept higher-arched testers neutral through hours of standing.

“We've worn these sneakers through blizzard-like commutes, standing at events and running around photoshoot sets”

The one that does everything

The Luca Suede Terra Low reads elevated with tailoring and relaxed with jeans. The sole trades springiness for a planted, stable feel that absorbs pavement without bulk. Expect a couple of wears to break in.

“Out of everything I tested, this was the chameleon”

A year of subway platforms

Testers wore the Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt almost daily across New York cobblestones, and the full-grain leather still looks crisp. Pricier sneakers creased and softened in months.

“barely a mark or any stretch has changed its appearance or feel”

The washable knit one

Rothy's Court Sneaker uses a tight engineered knit that breathes like a woven sock, plus a terry-lined tongue so laces don't dig in. Three machine washes in six months, no fraying. Sizes run small.

“pull out the insoles, throw both in cold water, and let them air dry”

The four-year closet staple

Common Projects run $565 and need a short break-in, but the smooth leather, minimal branding and vulcanized soles survive trend cycles. Firmer underfoot than most leather sneakers.

“flexible enough to move from desk to drinks without looking formal”

Maximum cushion, $71

The Skechers UNO CTL hides Air-Cooled Memory Foam under a clean court shape, with a visible Skech-Air unit in the midsole. Mesh and suede up top, solid sidewalk grip. Not water-resistant, and a little chunky.

“My commute on the train to the office is 40 minutes, but it felt way less brutal on my legs.”

Comfortable out of the box

Maison Margiela's Replica costs $790 and needs no break-in: supple leather, padded lining, less heel rub from day one. The slightly round toe box reads retro without looking dated.

“I paired them with dress trousers, chinos, and even a suit, these never looked out of place.”

Material sets the tone

Full-grain leather gives the polished, suit-friendly look. Suede adds texture and dresses down while still looking expensive. Look for soft finishes that age well and wipe clean.

“Bonus points for contrast paneling or a leather-suede mix, which adds depth without looking over-designed.”

Keep the silhouette low

Low profile is the most versatile shape. Skip bulky soles and technical designs, and look for streamlined laces, tight stitching and minimal branding.

“The sleeker the silhouette, the easier it is to pair with dressier pieces like trousers or blazers.”

EVA and Ortholite, explained

EVA foam sits in the midsole: light, springy, absorbs impact. Ortholite sits in the footbed, rebounds instead of flattening after a few wears, and breathes better so feet stay cooler.

“together, they're kind of a dream team”

Who actually wore these

Style and Reviews Editor Joseph Cheatham logged more than 50 sneakers over five years, with Style Director Christian Gollayan testing pairs at the office, formal events and dinner parties. Scored on style, comfort, price, durability, versatility.

What counts as dressy

Uniform color, minimal detail, higher-end materials. Leather or suede uppers, with some fabric passing as formal. Soles can be flat or athletic as long as the color complements the upper. White leather is the exception that still reads sharp.

“Colors are usually in the same range as dress shoes, meaning brown, black, blue, or gray.”

Wearing them to the office

Minimal leather or suede in white, black, navy or tan. Slim chinos or black jeans, no distressing, no sag. Crisp button-down or polo, and an unconstructed blazer if you want more polish.

“First rule: skip the athletic stuff.”

Never the washing machine

Leather wipes clean with a wet towel, an old toothbrush for the crevices, and dish detergent on stubborn marks. Textile uppers take laundry detergent dabbed on a damp towel, or a stain treatment first.

“A little elbow grease and some simple products will be required.”

Buy the suede brush

For suede, a cheap brush lifts dirt, smudges and scuffs off in seconds. Set-in stains go to a professional. Rubber soles on any pair clean up with a wet washcloth and dish soap.

“Any dirt, dust, smudge, or scuff will rub right off.”